Awarded by the National Guard Association of the United States for advocacy on behalf of National Guardsmen and women

ANCHORAGE – Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) received the Charles Dick Medal of Merit, one of the highest awards given by the National Guard Association of the United States in recognition of his work on behalf of Alaska’s National Guard.

“Our National Guard executes a dual mission of protecting us at home and abroad, standing ready to respond to domestic emergencies and deploying overseas. It is my privilege to work on behalf of the National Guard and ensure those who serve are recognized for their service,” stated Senator Wielechowski. “I am humbled to receive the Charles Dick Medal of Merit and remain committed to continuing to work hard on their behalf.”

The Charles Dick Medal of Merit was established in 1988 and is designed to recognize the contributions to the National Guard by elected representatives at the state and national levels. The medal is named in honor of Major General Charles Dick, NGAUS president from 1902 to 1909, a major general in the Ohio National Guard, a Congressman and later a Senator. Dick was responsible for the passage of the Dick Acts of 1903 and 1908 that established the foundation of the modern National Guard.

In order to receive this award, an individual must have distinguished him or herself over an extended period of time in their support of the National Guard and provided exceptionally strong support that has a lasting effect on the future of the National Guard. This positive effect and results must outlast the tenure in office of the individual.

While serving in the Alaska Senate, Senator Wielechowski has sponsored and co-sponsored dozens of pieces of legislation supporting active duty military and veterans. He served as Co-Chairman of the Joint Armed Services Committee for six years and currently serves on the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs Budget sub-committee.

For more information, please contact Senator Wielechowski at (907) 242-1558.